Coinhive removal instructions

What is Coinhive?

Coinhive (also knows as XMR Miner) is a service that allows web developers to inject sites with scripts that employ visitors' computers to mine Monero cryptocurrency. The idea behind Coinhive is legitimate and this service itself is not harmful, however, some web developers who employ this service become greedy and take advantage of the system: cryptocurrency is mined without users' consent and use of system resources is not limited by them. As a result, these people often misuse up to 100% of system resources without permission.

Coinhive developers provide a JavaScript API that can be injected into any website. Once a visitor opens the site, the script immediately employs system resources to mine cryptocurrency (more information here). As mentioned above, the idea is legitimate - developers have an additional way to monetize their sites, however, some criminals have no bounds. There are various cases in which the Coinhive service is misused. For example, cyber criminals hijack legitimate websites and inject them with Coinhive script. There are also various malicious sites (that users often visit inadvertently) that also use Coinhive. Criminals inject them with scripts that prevent closure of browsing tabs/windows - this, to make users remain on the page for as long as possible. Note that Coinhive provides a feature that allows developers to limit the use of system resources, however, criminals remove this limit, since the more resources are used, the more cryptocurrency is mined. JavaScript is good at making use of computer CPU resources. Therefore, since the limit is removed, CPU use increases to 100% and the system becomes unusable. In addition, the system might crash (possibly leading to permanent data loss) and the CPU can overheat. In summary, the Coinhive service is legitimate, but often abused. Therefore, from the user's point of view, Coinhive is not trustworthy or secure.

As mentioned, users often visit malicious sites inadvertently - they are redirected by potentially unwanted adware-type programs (PUPs). These programs employ tools to deliver banner, pop-up, and other intrusive ads. A pop-up ad is essentially a new browser window in which a specific website is opened. All displayed ads can potentially lead to sites that use Coinhive. In this way, developers promote malicious websites using intrusive advertising. In addition, adware-type apps are likely to gather information relating to users' Internet browsing activity. Collected data might contain private details that developers later share with third parties (potentially, cyber criminals). Research shows that these people misuse private information to generate revenue - behavior that can lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Therefore, the presence of a data-tracking app on your system might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. Adware-type PUPs must be eliminated immediately.

Free scanner checks if your computer is infected. To remove malware, you have to purchase the full version of Spyhunter.

Most adware-type applications are virtually identical. These programs offer "useful features" just to give the impression of legitimacy and trick users to install. Following infiltration, however, they deliver no real value for regular users. Their only purpose is to generate revenue for the developers, deliver intrusive advertisements, and record sensitive data.

How did potentially unwanted programs install on my computer?

To proliferate adware, developers use the aforementioned intrusive advertising and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling". Intrusive ads can lead to malicious websites and execute scripts that download and install malware/PUPs. "Bundling" is stealth installation of potentially unwanted programs with regular software/apps. Developers hide "bundled" apps within various sections (e.g., "Custom/Advanced" settings) of the download or installation processes. Furthermore, many users click intrusive ads and skip download/installation steps. This behavior often leads to inadvertent installation of potentially unwanted programs. In this way, users often expose their systems to risk of various infections and compromise their privacy.

How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?

The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior - the key to safety is caution. Therefore, to prevent system infiltration by PUPs, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and especially when downloading/installing software. Criminals ensure that intrusive ads appear legitimate and, thus, it is extremely difficult to determine if they are genuine. Once clicked, however, they redirect to suspicious sites such as gambling, adult dating, pornography, or those that diminish system performance significantly. If you encounter these redirects, immediately remove all dubious applications and browser plug-ins. Remember also to carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs, opt-out of all additionally-included programs and decline offers to download/install them. We also recommend that you download your apps from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are monetized using the "bundling" method and, therefore, these tools should not be used. Having a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed is also paramount.

Usage of computer CPU once a website with Coinhive script is opened:

Example of a website that uses Coinhive script (and doesn't disclose it to their users):

A deceptive free weather widget for websites that mines Monero cryptocurrency (via Conhive) when users visit the site that implemented it:

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Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons, select these entries and click the trash can icon.

Optional method:

If you continue to have problems with removal of the coinhive malware, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.

After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.

In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.

Remove malicious add-ons from Microsoft Edge:

Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions, right click your mouse on these entries and click "Uninstall".

Optional method:

Click the three horizontal dots icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge), and select Settings.

In the opened tab, click the "Choose what to clear" button.

Click Show more and select everything, and then click the "Clear" button.

If this didn't help, please follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset Microsoft Edge browser.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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